South African Agriculture Ministry Intensifies Response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

South Africa’s farmers are facing one of the most severe waves of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in decades. Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, acknowledged the immense challenges confronting farmers, particularly dairy producers in KwaZulu-Natal, where outbreaks continue in districts such as Kokstad, Dundee, Underberg, and Dannhauser. Farmers in these areas have suffered financial losses, movement restrictions, and severe disruptions to their livelihoods.

Minister Steenhuisen stated, “As minister, I want our farmers to know that I see the impact this outbreak is having on their families, their businesses, and their communities. I understand their frustration, and I share their determination to end this crisis.”

KwaZulu-Natal remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with 180 of the 274 unresolved cases reported nationally as of November 2025. Despite the vaccination of 931 200 animals over the past three months using government-procured vaccines, uncontrolled movement of animals has hindered containment efforts, prolonging the crisis. The minister admitted that while progress has been made, the current trajectory is unacceptable, prompting a significant strengthening of response measures.

Recent outbreaks in Kokstad have led to intensified vaccination campaigns in Estcourt and targeted preventive measures in surrounding zones. The Department of Agriculture has also introduced limited relief measures for compliant farmers in disease management areas, including allowing milk for local consumption following single pasteurisation.

Industry collaboration has played a critical role in these efforts. Minister Steenhuisen thanked organisations such as the Red Meat Industry Services (RIMS) and the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO), which purchased 50 000 vaccine doses to support dairy farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. Vaccinations have already been distributed to key areas, including: Bergville (3 000 doses), Estcourt (2 500 doses), Winterton (initial 1 500 doses, with an additional 3 000 planned), Dundee (4 000 doses), and the Spioenkop Dam area (5 000 doses).

Looking ahead, the department expects to receive two million vaccine doses by February 2026 in two consignments. To reduce reliance on imports, a mid-scale domestic vaccine production facility is being established under the national biosecurity strengthening programme. An additional 1,5 million doses are expected to be supplied through government and industry partnerships.

The Department of Agriculture has launched a comprehensive strategy to vaccinate South Africa’s national herd. Priority provinces include KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West. This programme aims to systematically protect livestock and enable South Africa to apply to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of freedom with vaccination status. Success depends on a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply.

Minister Steenhuisen confirmed close collaboration with Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and international partners, including China and Argentina, to secure vaccine provision and technical support.

The minister emphasised that vaccine deployment alone is insufficient. Uncontrolled movement of animals remains the primary threat to containment. Strengthened law enforcement and compliance measures are critical to ending the outbreak.

Minister Steenhuisen reaffirmed the government’s support for farmers, recognising the emotional, financial, and operational strain caused by FMD. Measures include expanding laboratory capacity for rapid testing, timely communication of results, and broader agricultural recovery initiatives. The strengthened response forms part of a long-term strategy to safeguard animal health, protect rural economies, and enhance national biosecurity preparedness.

The government’s intensified efforts aim to contain the outbreak, rebuild resilience in the livestock industry, and protect the livelihoods of South African farmers during this challenging period.